World coal consumption breaks record in 2023 – 12/15/2023 – Environment

Coal consumption in the world broke a record in 2023, with 8.53 billion tons of this fossil fuel burned, the IEA (International Energy Agency) announced this Friday (15), two days after the end of COP28.

Despite the commitment made by countries participating in the UN (United Nations) climate conference in Dubai to transition away from fossil energy, the year 2023 surpassed the record that had been set in 2022, according to the IEA report.

The numbers coincide with the fact that 2023 will be the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous record of 2016, as warned by the European Copernicus observatory in early November.

The combustion of coal, both to produce energy and for the operation of industries, is responsible for a large part of carbon dioxide emissions (CO_two). This is the most polluting of fossil fuels and the objective of reducing global production is included in commitments made by countries since COP26, in 2021.

The IEA highlights the upward trend in consumption in China, with an increase of 220 million tons (4.9%) compared to last year, and in India, with an increase of 98 million tons (8%). An additional 23 million tons were also burned in Indonesia, which represented an 11% increase, according to the report.

At the same time, use decreased considerably in Europe, with 107 million tonnes less (-23%), and in the United States, with a reduction of 95 million tonnes (-21%). The closure of coal plants and the lower importance of industry favored the trend in both regions.

In Germany, for example, most plants are expected to close over the next three years and the country will replace the units with wind or solar plants. France wants to close its last coal-fired power plant in 2027.

The IEA admits the difficulty of making accurate predictions about Russia, the fourth largest consumer of coal, due to the war in Ukraine.

Peak in 2023

According to the agency, 2023 levels will represent a peak in coal consumption, which will decrease from 2024 onwards.

An advance in renewable energy (such as wind and solar) across the planet is projected to “push global coal consumption on a downward trajectory.” Despite this, the agency does not foresee a reduction in its use in industry.

Some countries, such as Indonesia, are experiencing paradoxical situations, such as the increase in coal consumption due to the boom in nickel extraction to manufacture batteries for electric cars.

China, however, continues to use by far the most coal, with 54% of global consumption. The agency predicts a reduction in consumption in the country over the next two years and that India will take the lead in the use of coal from 2026.

The AIE was founded in 1974 within the scope of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development).